6 Best Artificial Intelligence (AI) Degree Programs in Illinois 2025

Artificial intelligence programs prepare students for exciting careers in this cutting-edge field. If you live in Illinois and want a career in AI, you can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree for artificial intelligence at schools throughout the state.

Below, we'll highlight Illinois schools offering the best degrees for AI. We'll also share the best schools for artificial intelligence in other parts of the country. If you want more information about artificial intelligence degrees, our frequently asked questions can help.

Best Artificial Intelligence Majors in Illinois

Are you interested in earning a degree in artificial intelligence in Illinois? Explore the list below to find schools offering reputable AI degree programs.

1. Illinois State University

At Illinois State University in Normal, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in information systems, artificial intelligence, and decision making. In this undergraduate program, students learn the fundamentals of AI, how datasets are used, and ways organizations use AI ethically.

Tuition costs just $12,066 annually for in-state undergraduate learners. Illinois State, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), encourages learners to apply by the priority deadline to gain higher consideration for scholarships that can increase tuition affordability.

2. Illinois Institute of Technology

The HLC-accredited Illinois Institute of Technology offers two artificial intelligence degrees. The BS in AI is an on-campus program exploring computer science, neural networks, and computer vision. The Master of Artificial Intelligence, available on-campus and online, provides an in-depth exploration of machine learning, data analytics, and natural language processing.

New undergraduate students at Illinois Tech pay $50,636 in tuition annually; however, scholarships can reduce costs by over $30,000. Graduate students can use assistantships and scholarships to lower their $1,780 per credit tuition.

3. DePaul University

The Master of Science (MS) in artificial intelligence at DePaul University is a 48-credit program that students can access on campus or online. Whether preparing for roles as AI or machine learning specialists, enrollees can gain the skills they need with coursework exploring applied algorithms and structures, advanced machine learning, big data, and robotics.

The Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media, which houses this master's degree program, charges $955 per credit hour for graduate study. Students can apply for scholarships, grants, and assistantships at this HLC-accredited school to make learning more affordable.

4. University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago offers a non-thesis online Master of Engineering (MEng) with a focus area in artificial intelligence and machine learning that explores natural language processing, deep neural networks, and more. In this program, students gain important management skills, which can help current technical professionals, scientists, and engineers transition into leadership roles.

Degree-seeking learners in Master of Engineering programs at this HLC-accredited school pay $896 per credit hour. Scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and tuition waivers are available to increase affordability.

5. Lewis University

Learners interested in earning artificial intelligence degrees online can pursue an MS in computer science with an AI concentration at Lewis University. This program is accelerated with evening classes delivered in eight-week sessions that can be completed in one year.

The HLC-accredited school also offers a BS in computer science with an AI concentration for students interested in studying machine learning and data mining. Students pay $875 per credit for the graduate degree and $20,150 per semester for undergraduate study. Nearly all enrollees (98%) receive financial aid, and first-year students receive an average of $25,000 in grants and scholarships to lower costs.

6. Northwestern University

Northwestern University in Evanston is home to a campus-based MS in artificial intelligence (MSAI) program with a traditional full-time track lasting 15 months and an MSAI+X track that full-time students can complete in 12 months. Enrollees learn about data science, machine learning, and natural language processing and complete a practicum in intelligent systems.

Earning this degree costs $22,077 per quarter or about $110,000 total. This HLC-accredited school accepts federal benefits and offers other aid to help MSAI students cover the cost of tuition.

Online AI Degree Programs

Do you want to expand your search outside of Illinois? Many schools nationwide offer online AI degrees. Review the AI colleges below to discover where to study this field from home.

Champlain College

Champlain College, accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), offers an online bachelor's degree in data science and artificial intelligence to help students pursue roles as data scientists and machine learning engineers. Data analytics, deep learning, and neural networks are a few concepts explored in this program.

The college offers opportunities to accelerate study and make tuition more affordable. For instance, students can take two courses per term to graduate in as few as 3.5 years. By taking advantage of financial aid and credits for prior learning, students can save on already affordable $335 per-credit tuition.

Indiana University

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in artificial intelligence at Indiana University is a fast and flexible degree exploring collaborative human-AI systems, data fluency, recent trends in AI, and AI ethics. After completing this 100% online program, graduates will be ready for roles as AI architects, AI UX researchers, and software developers.

When earning an online degree at this HLC-accredited school, learners enjoy success coaching, academic advising, tutoring, writing support, and other student services. Out-of-state AI degree enrollees pay just $412.44 per credit.

New England College

Students interested in enrolling in reputable artificial intelligence master's degree programs can find a great option at New England College. The online MS in artificial intelligence is a 36-credit program teaching computer vision, deep learning, computer robotics, and current topics in AI for working professionals, recent college graduates, and information technology professionals.

At this NECHE-accredited institution, students pay $599 per credit to earn their MS in AI degree. They can choose from part-time and full-time enrollment options and graduate in as few as 18 months.

Kansas State University

Kansas State University offers a 100% online bachelor's degree in machine learning and autonomous systems that teaches students how to develop and implement ML algorithms into autonomous systems frameworks. Learners can choose from two tracks: web development and computational core. Courses explore computing principles, data structures, advanced programming, applied data analysis, and more.

Students pursuing this undergraduate degree pay less than $700 per credit hour. Scholarships granting up to $1,000 can help learners at this HLC-accredited school reduce the cost of earning a degree.

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the schools in the rank list above to ensure they meet the following criteria for delivering high-quality education by referencing the National Center of Education Statistics:

• Accredited: Each institution has received accreditation from a nationally recognized organization such as the HLC and NECHE.
• Reputable: We confirmed that the colleges and universities in this list provide quality on-campus or online programs for undergraduate and graduate learners.
• Accessible: Schools in this list make learning accessible through affordable tuition, financial aid, or accelerated learning.

FAQs About AI Degree Programs in Illinois

Now that you've discovered some of the best schools for artificial intelligence, are you ready to enroll? Before getting started, review the following FAQs about AI degree programs in Illinois.

What Schools Offer Online Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence Master's Programs?

You can find online artificial intelligence master's programs at schools nationwide. In Illinois, students can earn an online MS in AI at DePaul University, or an online master's in computer science with an AI concentration from Lewis University. The University of Illinois Chicago has an online MEng degree with a focus area in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

AI colleges outside Illinois offering online master's programs include New England College and Dakota State University.

Is an AI Degree Worth It?

Yes, earning a degree in artificial intelligence is worth it. The field is growing and job opportunities are cropping up quickly. After completing a bachelor's or master's degree, you can start or advance a career in:

• machine learning
• computer engineering
• robotics
• software engineering
• informatics
• cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence roles fall under the umbrella of computer and information technology jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for these positions was more than double that of all occupations in May 2023. This means your AI degree salary could be very impressive.

What College Major Is Best for AI?

Earning an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in artificial intelligence is best when seeking a career in this field. AI programs teach key fundamentals in machine learning, algorithms, deep learning, and natural language processing. However, you can also pursue AI careers by enrolling in related programs such as computer science, data science, and computer engineering.

Earn Your Artificial Intelligence Degree

Begin a rewarding experience in higher education by exploring degree programs from colleges on Learn.org. Contact a school today and learn how they can help you reach your educational goals.